Ritchey have unveiled their 2013 ‘Trail’ range of mountain bike components, including WCS stem and seatpost and both flat and low-rise bars.
Aimed at all-mountain and enduro riders, the plan is to reduce weight and increase stiffness. The bars and post are available in a choice of carbon or alloy, while the stem is an alloy-only option at present. There’s a range of sizes and finishes that are due to be available from September, and the matte black styling is like the road components we showed you recently.
The chunky-looking WCS Trail stem is made from 3D Forged 2014 Alloy and features Ritchey’s new 220-degree bar clamp that increases stiffness between the bar and stem – ideal for trail and AM bikes. Extension options run from 60-110mm, all with zero rise and 28.6x31.8mm fitments. The 70mm version has a claimed weight of 115g. They’re £78 (€89,90) and UK distribution will be through Paligap.
WCS Carbon Low Rizer bar
There are a number of bars in the new Ritchey range, including the 740mm wide Low Rizer models. A carbon Low Rizer with 15mm rise costs £160 (€184,90), while its alloy sibling comes with a 20mm rise and a £63 (€72,90) price tag. The ‘flat’ 2X Trail bar comes with 5mm of rise or 5mm of drop, depending on which way round you choose to mount it – the drop should be a useful option for a 29er with a tall front end. The carbon version is 710mm wide, weighs 180g and costs £133 (€152,90), while the alloy model is 10mm wider with a claimed weight of 232g and a £63 (€72,80) price tag.
We’re keen to try the new Link Trail FlexLogic WCS carbon seatpost. Its clamp system is compatible with standard rail systems, and with an adapter it also fits Selle Italia’s Monolink wedge-clamp system. Alloy and carbon versions come in 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters and both offer quick angle and fore/aft adjustment. The UD finished carbon version is claimed to weigh 180g (27.2x350mm) and costs £205 (€235), while the alloy edition is planned to duck under €100.
We’ll soon be getting our hands on the new Ritchey kit, so look out for reviews in Mountain Biking UK, What Mountain Bike and, of course, on BikeRadar.
